Skyline of Selebi-Phikwe
Cost of Living: 68 60,000

Selebi-Phikwe, Botswana

Selebi-Phikwe is a major city in Botswana with a population of 60,000.

Updated August 30, 2026

Overview

Selebi-Phikwe is a city in Central with a population of 60,000. Selebi-Phikwe is a major city in Botswana with a population of 60,000. Housing is more affordable than the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 6a growing zone supports Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, with about 280 sunny days a year. The population skews young, with a median age of 25.0.

Last updated: August 30, 2026

Cost of Living 68

Below Average vs Botswana Avg (100)

Housing Index 72

Affordable

Median Income P 72,000

Household income

Unemployment 5.0%

Job market health

Selebi-Phikwe vs Botswana Average

Cost of Living
Selebi-Phikwe: 68
Botswana Avg: 100
Housing Index
Selebi-Phikwe: 72
Botswana Avg: 100

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: None
  • Sales Tax: 12.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: P 72,000
  • Unemployment: 5.0%
  • Population: 60,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 280/year
  • Summer High: 84°F
  • Winter Low: 42°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6a

Housing

  • Median Home: P800,000
  • 1BR Rent: P2000/mo

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Cost of Living

Selebi-Phikwe's cost of living index is 68 (Botswana average = 100).

CategorySelebi-PhikweNational AverageDifference
Overall68100-32.0%
Housing72100-28.0%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home PriceP800,000
Median Rent (1BR)P2000/mo
Median Rent (2BR)P2,500/mo
Price per Sq FtP533

Data source: Zillow Research, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

P
%
$90,000 down
%
%
P

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Selebi-Phikwe:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
ElectricityP400
Heating & CoolingP29Estimated based on local climate.
Cooling (AC)N/AEstimated based on local climate and electricity rates
WaterP200Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)P500Broadband average
Garbage / TrashIncluded in taxesMunicipal service (covered by property taxes)
Total UtilitiesP1129Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Remote Work Score

Selebi-Phikwe scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
— 68
Rent
— P2000
Sunny Days
— 280
Tax
— None
Unemployment
— 5.0%
Climate
— 84°F / 42°F
Safety
— 3.0 homicides/100k
Population
— 60,000
Internet Speed
— 25 Mbps

Climate

Selebi-Phikwe has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January62°F42°F2.5"
April69°F57°F2.8"
July84°F59°F1.5"
October64°F60°F2.2"
USDA Zone 6a

Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables

Natural Hazards

Selebi-Phikwe faces the following natural hazards:

Drought High Risk

Semi-arid country with frequent droughts.

Earthquake Moderate Risk

Moderate seismic activity with occasional earthquakes.

Cyclone Moderate Risk

Moderate cyclone risk.

Wildfire Moderate Risk

Savanna wildfires.

Sandstorm Moderate Risk

Dust storms.

Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 0% (None)
  • Sales Tax: 12%
  • Property Tax: ~0.2% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 5.0%.

Schools & Education

Total Schools

Academic Schedule

School Hours 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Academic Year January to December
Term System Trimester — Term 1 (Jan-Apr), Term 2 (May-Aug), Term 3 (Sep-Dec)
Summer Break December to January (5 weeks)
Winter Break August (3 weeks)
Spring Break April (3 weeks)

Follows British-influenced system.

Demographics

The population of Selebi-Phikwe is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.

Ethnicity

Kalanga
11.0%
Other
10.0%
Tswana
79.0%

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher
20.0%
High school graduate
25.0%
Less than high school
40.0%
Some college
15.0%

Religion

Christian
79.0%
Folk
4.0%
Other
17.0%

City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.

Data source: Statistics Botswana (2011)

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Selebi-Phikwe, Botswana?

The cost of living index in Selebi-Phikwe is 68, which is Lower the Botswana national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Selebi-Phikwe?

The median home price in Selebi-Phikwe is P800,000. The housing index is 72.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Selebi-Phikwe is approximately P2000/mo.

Does Selebi-Phikwe, Central have income tax?

Selebi-Phikwe is in Central, which has no income tax.

What is the climate like in Selebi-Phikwe?

Selebi-Phikwe enjoys approximately 280 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 84°F, while winter lows can drop to around 42°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
  • Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
  • Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
  • Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.